Ecclesiastical reports positive profit swing

Its first half year results showed an overall underwriting loss of £7.5m (£15.5m loss: H1 2010) while its UK business actually delivered an underwriting profit of £3m for H1 2011 - up 10% on last year.

The group's combined operating ratio stood at 104.9% for H1 2011 (111.3% in H1 2010). Both the insurer's general business gross written premium and turnover was in line with 2010 at £240m and £254m, respectively.

Group chief executive Michael Tripp said: "The first half of this year is a good